Since his retirement in 2003, watercolorist Robert Olmstead has had more time to focus on painting and, as a resident of Muncy, said he appreciates the many challenges and subjects found in this historic community. Through private showings and as a participant in the Muncy Historical Society’s annual Artist Exhibition, he has enjoyed presenting his work to the local area and completing commissioned work.

The Cato, N.Y. native's early focus was oil painting. Later he began working with textiles, pottery, hand-made paper and stained glass. It was during his college years that his interest in watercolor flourished. Holding bachelor and master degrees from James Madison University, Olmstead pursued his art teaching career in Harrisonburg, Va. After 20 years of secondary school teaching, he began an elementary school art program for the Harrisonburg schools where he taught for another 11 years.

Olmstead continued his personal art expressions outside of school, still working in a variety of mediums while maintaining a major focus on watercolor painting. As an admirer of Rembrandt and other art masters, his work portrays various subjects but he concentrates on light, shadows, detail and textures. A member of the Shenandoah Valley Watercolor Society, Olmstead’s work can be found in many private homes and art collections in Virginia, Pennsylvania and surrounding states, as well as several European communities. He is particularly proud of his work hung in the Herzen Institute in St. Petersburg, Russia.

 

Contact Us

Muncy Historical Society
40 North Main Street
P.O. Box 11
Muncy, PA 17756
(570) 546-5917
MuncyHistorical@aol.com

Regular Hours: Mondays and Fridays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
March through November ** except holidays **
and by special appointment.
Hours are subject to change
Check schedule by calling (570)546-5917